Is ADHD a Silent (or not-so-silent) Factor in Your Life? | Dr. Sasha Hamdani
Nov 13, 2023
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Psychiatrist Dr. Sasha Hamdani shares personal ADHD journey and provides techniques to understand and thrive with uniquely wired brain. Self-care tools from her book discussed, including managing symptoms and embracing neurodiversity. Navigating ADHD diagnosis, understanding neurobiology, and impact of rejection sensitive dysphoria explored. Auditory experience, bilateral stimulation, and ASMR discussed along with challenges of self-care in the workplace for individuals with ADHD.
ADHD should be acknowledged as a disorder due to the substantial dysfunction and distress it causes.
Self-care for individuals with ADHD includes physical practices like exercise and mental practices like self-compassion and engaging in art.
The misconception of ADHD as a 'superpower' should be challenged, and a comprehensive understanding of the condition is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and individualized self-care strategies.
Deep dives
Understanding the Neurodiverse Brain
Dr. Sasha Hamdani, a psychiatrist and ADHD specialist, shares her insights and personal journey with ADHD. She emphasizes the importance of including the term 'disorder' when discussing ADHD to acknowledge the substantial dysfunction and distress it can cause. She discusses the varied presentations of ADHD and highlights the impact it has on the frontal lobe, emotional cortex, and reticular activating system in the brain. Dr. Hamdani also addresses the underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis of ADHD, particularly in women and lower socioeconomic populations. She emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of an individual's medical and psychiatric conditions when diagnosing ADHD.
Prioritizing Self-Care for ADHD
Dr. Sasha Hamdani explores different aspects of self-care for individuals with ADHD. She emphasizes the importance of physical self-care, including adequate sleep, hydration, and exercise. Dr. Hamdani explains how exercise can help regulate the circulatory system and improve sleep patterns. She also discusses the benefits of bilateral stimulation, such as listening to specific sounds, in managing overstimulation and promoting relaxation. Additionally, she discusses the significance of mental self-care, including self-compassion, breathing techniques, guided relaxations, and engaging in art as a form of stimulation and focus.
Breaking Misconceptions and Toxic Positivity
Dr. Sasha Hamdani challenges the misconception of ADHD as a 'superpower,' highlighting the importance of acknowledging the experiences and struggles individuals face. She discusses the impact of toxic positivity surrounding ADHD and how it can invalidate the experiences of those with the condition. Dr. Hamdani also addresses the role of stress in ADHD and the varying diagnostic challenges faced by different populations. She promotes a comprehensive understanding of ADHD, emphasizing the need for appropriate diagnosis, access to care, and individualized self-care strategies.
The importance of self-care and managing ADHD
Self-care plays a crucial role in managing ADHD and promoting overall well-being. The speaker emphasizes the need to understand one's internal patterns and take care of oneself through activities like staying hydrated, eating nutritious food, and exercising. They also highlight the importance of setting boundaries and creating a conducive work environment, even without explicitly disclosing ADHD. By focusing on net progress rather than striving for perfection, individuals can alleviate self-imposed stress and experience greater productivity. Engaging in routines, budgeting, planning, and creating lists can further support daily functioning and reduce overwhelm.
The power of community and serving others
Living a good life involves serving others and cultivating a sense of community. The speaker shares how managing their own internal environment and helping others has enhanced their self-esteem, well-being, and overall fulfillment. They encourage individuals to engage in activities that contribute to society, foster collaboration, and promote personal growth. By shifting the focus from one's own difficulties to supporting others, individuals can find greater purpose and bring a positive impact to the world.
Have you ever felt like your brain just operates differently? Like no matter how hard you try, you're perpetually distracted or struggling to focus? You're not alone. Psychiatrist Dr. Sasha Hamdani shares her personal ADHD journey and provides research-backed techniques to better understand and thrive with your uniquely wired brain.
We dive into practical self-care tools from her book, Self-Care for People with ADHD: 100+ Ways to Recharge, De-Stress, and Prioritize You! to help manage symptoms, prioritize yourself, and embrace your neurodiversity. Dr. Hamdani aims to empower those with ADHD and neurodiverse brains to navigate the world with more clarity, ease and success.
